Studies and Reports > 2025 Biennial Report > Transmission Projects Report 2025

6.7   Southwest Zone

6.7.1  Needed Projects

The following table provides a list of transmission needs identified in the Southwest Zone by MISO utilities.

Summit to Dovray 69 kV Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2017-SW-N1

Utility: ITC Midwest (ITCM)

Project Description: The 12.9 miles-long Summit to Dovray 69 kV line will be reconstructed on the existing right of way.

Need Driver: The line’s age and condition and increased maintenance costs have required that this line be rebuilt. The existing line has galloping issues, and the line operates frequently.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

A rebuild of the line with T2-4/0 ACSR conductor is planned. The rebuild of the line on existing right of way was the sole alternative considered to solve the age and condition issue.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The Summit to Dovray 69 kV line is being replaced due to age and condition. A non-wires alternative is not considered a viable alternative to address the need to replace the Summit to Dovray 69 kV line.

Analysis: The plan to replace the transmission line with new poles, conductor and shield wire will solve the reliability concern caused by the age and condition of the 69 kV line.

Schedule: Construction of the line is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

General Impacts: The rebuild will occur on existing right of way. No new landowners will be impacted by construction, although some additional temporary workspace may be required. Unique environmental features will be addressed to minimize environmental impacts that could occur during construction. ITCM will work with the appropriate permitting agencies to receive necessary approvals. ITCM contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. The right-of-way will be restored following construction. The rebuild will increase the reliability of electric service in the area.

Fulda Junction to Heron Lake 69 kV Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2017-SW-N3

Utility: ITC Midwest (ITCM)

Project Description: The approximately 20.1 miles-long Fulda Junction to Heron Lake 69 kV line will be reconstructed on the existing right of way.

Need Driver: The line’s age and condition and increased maintenance costs have required that this line be rebuilt. The existing line has galloping issues, and the line operates frequently.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

A rebuild of the line with T2-4/0 ACSR conductor is planned. The rebuild of the line on existing right of way was the sole alternative considered to solve the age and condition issue.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The Fulda Junction to Heron Lake 69 kV line is being replaced due to age and condition. A non-wires alternative is not considered a viable alternative to address the need to replace the Fulda Junction to Heron Lake 69 kV line.

Analysis: The plan to replace the line with new poles, conductor and shield wire will solve the reliability concern caused by the age and condition of the 69 kV line. The line work is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Schedule: Construction of the line is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

General Impacts: The rebuild will occur on existing right of way. No new landowners will be impacted by construction, although some additional temporary workspace may be required. Unique environmental features will be addressed to minimize environmental impacts that could occur during construction. ITCM will work with the appropriate permitting agencies to receive necessary approvals. ITCM contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. The right-of-way will be restored following construction. The rebuild will increase the reliability of electric service in the area.

Fieldon Retirement

MPUC Tracking Number: 2021-SW-N1

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: This project bypasses and retires the Fieldon series capacitor and removes the substation, whose only function is for the series capacitor.

Need Driver: System improvements in the area have removed the need for the Fieldon series capacitor which has had operational issues in the past and has a significant recurring maintenance cost.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

Leaving the series capacitor in service, with corresponding maintenance burden and cost.

Non-Wires Alternatives

Retirement of an existing asset no longer needed.

Analysis: Retiring this substation produces no adverse effects to the transmission system.

Schedule: This project is expected to be completed in December 2025.

General Impacts: Retirement of the Fieldon substation.

Worthington Area Projects

MPUC Tracking Number: 2021-SW-N2

Utility: Great River Energy (GRE), ITC Midwest (ITCM), Missouri River Energy Services (MRES)

Project Description: Projects consist of multiple line and substation projects in the Worthington area:
MRES: Construction of a new substation, Lorain Substation.
GRE: Construction of approximately 9 miles of 69 kV transmission line from the Lorain substation to the new 161/69 kV substation, Rost Substation, interconnecting the existing GRE owned FE- RH, Heron Lake – Round Lake 69 kV line.

ITCM: Construction of a new substation, Forks Substation which will interconnect to the existing Dickinson – Lakefield Junction 161 kV transmission line. Construction of approximately 6.5 miles of 161 kV transmission line from the Forks substation to the Rost substation.

Need Driver: Operational and reliability issues in the Worthington area of southern Minnesota have existed for some time. Various options have been considered and investigated by the parties who operate in the area and numerous temporary operating guides have been in use over several years.

At present, single contingency bus outages at Elk cause the Worthington load to drop. In addition, there is a challenge to take outages on the 161 kV system, some portions of the 69 kV system, and some portions of the neighboring 345 kV system in order to perform certain maintenance due to voltage concerns with the system in an N-1 condition.

Load growth at the Lorain 69 kV substation has exacerbated prior outage events in the area. Any outage on the 161 kV between Split Rock (Xcel) and Magnolia leaves the system susceptible to low voltages for faults anywhere between Lakefield Junction and Elk 161 kV.

Alternatives:

Several alternatives were studied and considered during the joint study analysis:

Transmission Alternatives

1. Nobles County to Worthington 115 kV Loop
2. Build a 69 kV line from Lakefield Junction to West Lakefield and from West Lakefield to Worthington (Lorain).

1. Rost 161/69 kV substation with Rost Located at intersection of ITCM’s 161 kV and GRE’s FE-RJ 69 kV line, along with 69 kV line from Worthington to GRE’s FE-RH line.

Non-Wires Alternatives
Even though the hybrid solution identified in the NWA study addresses the issues based on the technical analysis, economic analysis reveals that this is not an economically feasible option for the Worthington area. Nonetheless, considering future zero carbon emission goals, the hybrid solution fails to fulfill those requirements as well. Compared to the traditional solution cost, the proposed hybrid solution cost is about 10 times higher than the traditional solution. This study verified that no non-wires alternatives or cost-effective environmentally friendly hybrid alternatives are available today to address the Worthington area's reliability issues in an economical manner. A report is available upon request.

Analysis: Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), Great River Energy (GRE), and ITC Midwest (ITCM) performed a joint study to consider various options for the area.

Based on the analysis, the parties agreed to pursue the Rost project option, which included the additional 161 kV line and Lakefield corners substation. This was based on the largest MW load margin and advantages of being closer to Worthington load.

The biggest advantage is observed with upsizing the capacitors at the Lorain substation and the 150 MVA transformer at Heron Lake. The capacitors will be built to have the ability to upscale.
This new project will allow a strong new source to serve the growing Worthington load, address voltage collapse, and allow the existing 69 kV system to remain in a more system normal configuration during critical prior outages.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by November 2027.

General Impacts: The project will require approximately 6.5 miles of new 161 kV transmission line from Forks substation to Rost substation. The project is located in predominantly agricultural lands. Prior to construction, the Utilities will acquire the necessary right-of-way and permits for construction of the project. The Utilities anticipate acquiring a 100-foot easement to facilitate construction and operation of the line. The preliminary design follows existing road rights-of-way to minimize impacts to nearby residents and environmental features. Prior to construction, the Utilities will complete a desktop review of environmental features that may be present in the right of way and will work with the appropriate permitting agencies, as required, to minimize impacts during construction. Construction is expected to be completed in 60 months. During this time, the Utilities and/or their contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. The right-of-way will be restored following construction. As compared to available alternatives, the project minimizes the length of transmission line through sensitive areas.

J1164 and J1325 Generator Interconnection to Magnolia 161 kV

Utility: ITC Midwest (ITCM)

Project Description: To provide for interconnection of two 80 MW (160 MW total) solar- powered generating facility, MISO projects J1164 and J1325, the 161 kV bus at Magnolia will be reconfigured to form a ring bus at the location of the existing Magnolia substation.

Need Driver: MISO projects J1164 and J1325 was studied under the MISO business practices, and the expansion of the Magnolia 161 kV bus to connect projects J1164 and J1325 is required to provide interconnection service to the project under the MISO tariff.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The interconnections were evaluated under the MISO’s DPP 2018 and 2019 system impact studies. No alternatives for the interconnections were identified.

Non-Wires Alternatives

Projects J1164 and J1325 will be interconnected under MISO Tariff requirements. A non- wires is not viable as this project is aiding in the interconnection of two 80 MW (160 MW total) solar-powered generating facilities.

Analysis: The interconnection of projects J1164 and J1325 were evaluated as part of the MISO DPP 2018 and 2019 system impact studies. The expansion of facilities at Magnolia are required to provide a point of interconnection for project J1164 and J1325.

The Magnolia substation is over 60 years old, and the substation was not originally designed or constructed to accommodate additional bus positions on the 161 kV bus. The existing 161 kV substation bus will be rebuilt from a straight bus configuration to a ring bus configuration.

Schedule: The project is planned to be placed in service in 2026.

General Impacts: The upgrades will occur within the existing Magnolia 161 kV Substation. Termination of the J1164 and J1325 generator tie-line will be coordinated with the interconnection customer and necessary authorities. No new landowners will be impacted by construction, although some additional temporary workspace may be required. Unique environmental features will be addressed to minimize environmental impacts that could occur during construction. ITCM will work with the appropriate permitting agencies to receive necessary approvals. ITCM contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated.

Brookings - Lyon, Hampton - Helena 2nd 345 kV Circuits

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N3

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Install approximately 60 mile second 345 kV circuit between the Brookings County and Lyon County substations. Install approximately 39 mile second 345 kV circuit between the Hampton Corner and Helena substations. Perform substation upgrades associated with installation of line.

Need Driver: Adds second circuit that eliminates current system conditions that impede deliverability of existing resources to demand centers in primarily off-peak periods of high renewable production which results in a reduction of available generation capacity at times of higher-than-average maintenance and construction outages.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

This new line installation uses existing double circuit structures on existing right of way. No alternatives were considered.

Analysis: This is a cost-effective system resiliency solution that reduces system congestion.

Schedule: The project went in service September 15, 2025.

General Impacts: The project will be constructed on the existing 345 kV double circuit structures, using existing right of way. The second circuit will reduce congestion on the transmission system allowing for economical dispatch of renewable energy resources. During construction the company or contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. Existing right of way will be restored upon completion of project.

Lake Yankton TR02 ELR

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N4

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Replace Lake Yankton 115/69 kV TR02.

Need Driver: The ELR transformer program is to proactively replace aging transformers that have passed their operational service life and are showing increase signs of degradation.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

None.

Analysis: This is a cost-effective system resiliency solution.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by December 2027.

General Impacts: Transformer replacement in existing substation to support transmission reliability. During construction the company or contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated.

Brookings - Lyon, Hampton - Helena OPGW Replacement

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N5

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: This project will replace the aging OPGW on the Brookings - Lyon County and Hampton - Helena 345 kV lines. This project will be performed in tandem with the installation of the Brookings - Lyon County and Hampton - Helena 2nd circuit installation project.

Need Driver: The existing OPGW on the Brookings - Lyon County and Hampton - Helena 345 kV lines are showing signs of degradation and have experienced failures. Replacement is needed to ensure reliable communications and controls on those circuits.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

This project replaces existing end of life communications equipment. No alternatives were considered.

Analysis: This is a cost-effective system resiliency solution.

Schedule: The project went in service September 15, 2025.

General Impacts: The project will be replacing existing equipment at end of life. During construction the company or contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. Existing right of way will be restored upon completion of project.

Steep Bank Lake Line Swap

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: This project will Move J460 Steep Bank Lake interconnection to new 345 kV second circuit being built between Brookings County - Lyon County (MTEP ID 23452).

Need Driver: Transferring Steep Bank Lake to the new Brookings County - Lyon County 345 kV line will avoid crossing lines going into the substation and provide additional operational flexibility.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

None.

Analysis: This is a cost-effective system resiliency solution.

Schedule: The project went in service September 2025.

General Impacts: The project will be swapping existing substation to new line on existing right of way eliminating line crossings which could impact reliability. During construction the company or contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. Existing right of way will be restored upon completion of project.

Nighthawk Breaker Station

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N7

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: New 4-line terminal breaker station connecting to Minnesota Valley – Troy 69 kV transmission line (0724), Crook’s substation, and the SMBSC plant.

Need Driver:   Improve reliability of service to Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Corporation (SMBSC), a business adversely impacted by power disruptions.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

New 230/69 kV substation north of the plant site to supply the two distribution substations supporting SMBS. No indicated load increase; the 69 kV line is capable of providing a well enough source of service to the existing customers. Not enough justification for an additional source in the area

Non-Wires Alternatives

None.

Analysis: Adding a breaker station to the existing 69 kV system will reduce outages and improve reliability for SMBSC. No other immediate overloads or voltage concerns.

Schedule: The project went in service September 26, 2024.

General Impacts: The project will install a new substation along existing 69 kV line. During construction the company or contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated.

Line 0719 Winthrop to STR 45 Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SE-N8

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Rebuild 1.5 miles of line 0719 69 kV from Winthrop - Structure 45.

Need Driver: Asset at end of life and at risk of imminent failures. Increased outage frequency and duration. Failure could provide risk to public safety.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

Line may be used as is, but this runs the risk of reliability and overloading issues. No alternatives were considered.

Non-Wires Alternatives

This is replacing an existing asset.

Analysis: Age and condition rebuild. No immediate overloads or voltage concerns.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by December 2027.

General Impacts: No environmental issues have been identified. Line rebuild will have minimal impacts to existing system performance and footprint.

Minnesota Valley TR11 ELR

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SE-N9

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Replace Minnesota Valley 115/69 kV TR11.

Need Driver: Asset at end of life and at risk of imminent failures. Increased outage frequency and duration. Failure could provide risk to public safety.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

Transformer may be used as is, but this runs the risk of reliability and overloading issues. No alternatives were considered.

Non-Wires Alternatives

This is replacing an existing asset.

Analysis: Age and condition rebuild. No immediate overloads or voltage concerns.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by December 2027.

General Impacts: No environmental issues have been identified. Transformer replacement will have minimal impacts to existing system performance and footprint.

Fairmont, MN Area Transmission Expansion

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N10

Utility: Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Project Description: Building of a new 69/12.5 kV distribution substation “West Industrial Park” (WIP) west of Fairmont, construction of a new 69 kV SMMPA breaker station and construction of two 69 kV transmission lines, one from WIP to the SMMPA’s Fairmont Energy Station (FES) substation and one from WIP which will tap Great River Energy’s 69 kV line between Rutland substation and the Fairmont 10th Street Substation.

Need Driver: This project was motivated by Fairmont Public Utilities (FPU) to address their need for a new distribution substation.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

A radial 69 kV transmission line was considered, but ultimately there was too much line exposure to Fairmont load.

Non-Wires Alternatives

Because Fairmont needs to be able to serve load from a new location non-wires alternatives were not considered.

Analysis: These additions will add a reliable 69 kV transmission loop through town. This increases the load serving capability in town as well as minimizes the possibility of transmission outages to area load.

Schedule: Expected in service date is late 2026.

General Impacts: The new FPU substation is likely to be built on existing city owned land. The new SMMPA substation will be built on existing SMMPA owned land. Most of the line routing will be done on existing distribution right of way. Where needed right of way will be expanded or added to, environmental impacts will be minimized on the project. Relevant permits and approvals will be received prior to construction. Contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy.

Fairmont, 10th St. Substation Modernization

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N11

Utility: Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Project Description: Current breakers were installed in 1985, and they have become unreliable and difficult to maintain with their age. Along with these breakers, the associated switches and relays will also be replaced with newer and more reliable equipment. The new equipment includes new PTs, arresters, and new solid-state relay panels.

Need Driver: Old breakers have become difficult to maintain with reoccurring problems and parts shortages, effectively driving maintenance costs up. Other equipment upgrades are being made to switch from electromechanical to the more reliable solid-state equipment.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

None.

Analysis: N/A

Schedule: New equipment expected to be in service on June 1, 2026.

General Impacts: The 10th St. substation is on existing city owned land. Relevant permits and approvals will be received prior to construction. Contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy.

Lakefield Area Projects

MPUC Tracking Number: 2023-SW-N12

Utility: Great River Energy (GRE)

Project Description: Expansion of the 345 kV Gen tie bus at the Lakefield substation to accommodate the Three Waters Wind (340 MW) Wind Farm. Installation of new 345 kV breakers on the existing generator and installation of the GRE controlled EEE, 1500’ of 345 kV Transmission to the interconnect 161 kV/345 kV step up substation.

Need Driver: Additional 345 kV interconnection required to connect the Three Waters wind farm.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

This project is necessary to facilitate the connection of a new wind farm. This is an existing generation site and was deemed the best interconnection point, therefore alternatives were not considered.

Non-Wires Alternatives

Non-wires alternatives are not considered for new generation interconnections as the POI is determined by the interconnection customer.

Analysis: The interconnection of the Three Waters Wind Farm at Lakefield was evaluated as part of the MISO DPP system impact studies.

Schedule: The Lakefield Area Projects are planned to be in-service by November 2026.

General Impacts: This project is located on GRE owned property. Construction is expected to be completed in 6 months. During this time, GRE and/or their contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated.

Line 0714 Madelia – Watonwan Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N1

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Rebuild 22 miles of line 0714 69 kV from Medelia - Watonwan.

Need Driver: Needed for age and condition rebuild.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project is replacing existing assets and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project is replacing existing assets and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: The plan to replace the transmission line with new poles, conductor and shield wire will solve the reliability concern caused by the age and condition of the 69 kV line.

Schedule: Construction of the line is expected to be completed by December of 2025.

General Impacts: This project is expected to have minimal impacts as its replacing existing infrastructure.

JTIQ Lyon Co – Lakefield Junction

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N2

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL), ITC Midwest (ITCM)

Project Description: 345kV JTIQ line from Lyon County - Lakefield Junction

Need Driver: Project is part of the JTIQ portfolio used to provide stability and improve transfers at the MISO SPP seam.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project was a joint MISO-SPP project and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project was a joint MISO-SPP project and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: This project will help fix existing issues on the seams between MISO and SPP. This project is key to aiding the interconnection queues of both regions. This project will have a CON in the state of Minnesota. The details of the project will be discussed at length in the application.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by June of 2031.

General Impacts: This a major project and will have a CON application which will detail those impacts.

Split Rock - Chanarambie 345kV line JTIQ

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N3

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: 345kV JTIQ line from Split Rock - Chanarambie

Need Driver: Project connects to the JTIQ portfolio to provide stability and remediate N-1-1 contingency thermal violations.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project was used to mitigate N-1-1 contingency thermal violations and better serve local load growth.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project resolves N-1-1 contingency thermal violations and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: This project will help fix existing N-1-1 contingency thermal violations in the area and improve load serving. The details of the project will be discussed at length in the application.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by June of 2033.

General Impacts: This a major project and will have a CON application which will detail those impacts.

Reinforce Tracy Switching Station TR01

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N4

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Upgrade existing transformer at Tracy Switching Station to 14 MVA. Convert town of Tracy to 13.8 kV and retire Tracy (TRA) substation.

Need Driver: Needed to mitigate transformer overloads at Tracy Switching Station.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project is fixing existing distribution overloads was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project is fixing existing distribution overloads was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: This project will fix existing distribution load serving issues and will replace an aging transformer.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by May of 2028.

General Impacts: This project is expected to have minimal impacts as its replacing existing infrastructure in an existing substation.

Nobles Third Transformer

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N5

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Add third 345/115 kV transformer with tertiary reactor at Nobles County.

Need Driver: Needed to prevent overloads for P6 contingencies in high wind scenarios.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project is adding a third transformer and will fix contingencies required by NERC to find solutions for. This project was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project is adding a third transformer and will fix contingencies required by NERC to find solutions for. This project was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: This project will fix a P6 contingency at Nobles and is expected to help congestion in the area.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by May of 2028.

General Impacts: This project is expected to have minimal impacts as its work done in the existing substation.

Brookings County – Lyon County 345kV Davit Arm Replacement

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N6

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL), Great River Energy (GRE), Otter Tail Power Company (OTP), Central Municipal Power Agency Services (CMPAS), Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)

Project Description: This project replaces select steel davit arms on the Brookings County-Lyon County line. Some of the davit arms have defects and need to be replaced.

Need Driver: Condition replacement of steel davit arms on Brookings County-Lyon County 345 kV Transmission line.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

This project replaces existing defective assets, so no other alternatives were evaluated.

Non-Wires Alternatives

This project replaces existing defective assets, so no non-wires options were evaluated.

Analysis: Physical analysis of the structures revealed davit arms that are defective. For safety and integrity of the davit arms, they must be replaced with non-defective arms.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by September of 2030.

General Impacts: No significant impacts are anticipated as this is an existing circuit with the majority of the structure will remain as is, with only replaced davit arms.

Fort Ridgely 69kV Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N7

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Upgrade 69 kV lines Fort Ridgley-GRE Schilling Tap, Lafayette-GRE Lafayette, GRE Schilling Tap-GRE Lafayette Tap, and Winthrop-Lafayette.

Need Driver: Line overloads on these lines were observed in the MTEP24 Appendix D6 generator deliverability study. These lines are also at end of life.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project is replacing existing assets and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project is replacing existing assets and was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: The plan to replace the transmission line with new poles, conductor and shield wire will solve the reliability concern caused by the age and condition of the 69 kV line.

Schedule: Construction of the line is expected to be completed by January of 2029.

General Impacts: This project is expected to have minimal impacts as its replacing existing infrastructure.

Essig Substation Rebuild

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N8

Utility: Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: Rebuild end of life Essig substation at neighboring site, converting old 2.4 kV system to standard 12.47kV

Need Driver: Substation is at end of life and is showing deterioration and is nonstandard 2.4 kV

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

The project will rebuild the existing substation that is at the end of its life and thus was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Non-Wires Alternatives

The project will rebuild the existing substation that is at the end of its life and thus was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Analysis: The project will rebuild the existing substation that is at the end of its life and thus was chosen as the best option to meet the need.

Schedule: The project is planned to be in service by September of 2027.

General Impacts: This project is expected to have low impacts.

J1566 Rutland 161 kV Interconnection

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N13

Utility: Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Project Description: An interconnection to a 150 MW solar farm on the 161 kV ring bus at Rutland Substation.

Need Driver: MISO project J1566 was studied under the MISO business practices, and the expansion of the Rutland 161 kV bus to connect project J1566 is required to provide interconnection service to the project under the MISO tariff.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

None.

Non-Wires Alternatives

None.

Analysis: The interconnection of project J1566 was evaluated as part of the MISO DPP-2020 study. The expansion of facilities at Byron is required to provide a point of interconnection for project J1566.

Schedule: New equipment expected to be in service in 12/31/2027.

General Impacts: This project is located on SMMPA owned property. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated. Relevant permits and approvals will be received prior to construction. Contractors and personnel will contribute positively to the local economy.

PowerOn Midwest

LRTP Projects #22, 23, 24, and 25

MPUC Tracking Number: 2025-SW-N9

Utility: Great River Energy (GRE), ITC Midwest (ITCM), and Xcel Energy (XEL)

Project Description: The Project consists of approximately 271 miles of new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across southern Minnesota that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The Project includes expansion of the existing Lakefield Junction, Pleasant Valley, and North Rochester Substations for 765 kV facilities. The Project also includes approximately 69 miles of a new 345 kV line between the Pleasant Valley, North Rochester and Hampton Substations and modifications at all three 345 kV substations. For the new 345 kV circuit, a new, second, approximately 38-mile 345 kV transmission line circuit would be strung on existing double-circuit-capable 345 kV structures between the North Rochester and Hampton Substations. Between the Pleasant Valley and North Rochester Substations, approximately 31 miles, the existing single-circuit-capable structures are proposed to be removed and replaced with double-circuit-capable structures to accommodate the second line.

Need Driver: The Project was studied, reviewed, and approved as part of the MISO LRTP Tranche
2.1 Portfolio. The Project is needed to maintain regional and local system reliability amid fundamental changes in demand for electricity and the type and amount of generation interconnected to the grid within the MISO footprint.

Alternatives:

Transmission Alternatives

Transmission system alternatives will be addressed in the Certificate of Need Application. Details of MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2.1 analysis are available in the LRTP section of the MTEP24 report.

Non-Wires Alternatives

Non-Wire Alternatives will be addressed in the Certificate of Need Application. Details of MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2.1 analysis are available in the LRTP section of the MTEP24 report.

Analysis: The need for PowerOn Midwest and the benefits of the Project will be summarized in the Certificate of Need Application. Details of MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2.1 analysis are available in the LRTP section of the MTEP24 report.

Schedule: The 765kV and 345kV portions of PowerOn Midwest are planned to be in-service in 2034 and 2032 (respectively).

General Impacts: Project routing discussions will occur in late 2025, 2026 and 2027. GRE, ITCM, and XEL will consider all relevant human, environmental, and community interests in the area and will actively engage impacted stakeholders in routing and siting of the project. Construction is anticipated to take upwards of five years to complete. During this time, GRE, ITCM, and XEL and/or their contractors will be working in the area and will contribute positively to the local economy. The right-of-way will be restored following construction.

6.7.2  Completed Projects

The table below identifies those projects by Tracking Number in the Southwest Zone that were listed as ongoing projects in the 2023 Biennial Report but have been completed or withdrawn since the 2023 Report was filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in November 2023. Information about each of the completed projects is summarized briefly in the table below. More information about these projects and inadequacies can be found in earlier reports. Projects that were listed as being complete in the 2023 Report are not repeated here, but more information about those projects can be found in these earlier reports.